TREASONABLE PRACTICES IN THE COLONIES.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 205, 27 March 1868, Page 3

TREASONABLE PRACTICES IN THE COLONIES.

• DESPATCH OP THE DUKE OP BUCKINGHAM. The following is a copy of a circular 'despatch, addressed to the various Colonial Governors, by the Secetary for the Colonies : Downing-st, 11th December, 1867 Sir, —Recent circumstances have directed my attention to the expediency of assimilating, as far as possible the law of the different colonies respecting treasonable offences to the law of the Udited Kingdom. There can, I think, be no doubt but that, on a subject thus concerning the interests of the whole empire, the law of the empire, ought if possible, to be uniform ; and with this view I desire to call your attention to the provisions of the Imperial Act, 11 Vic, c 12, intituled "An Act for the better security of the Crown and Government of the United Kingdom," by which, as you are no doubt aware, the offence of treason (except in the case of offences against the person of her Majesty) is made a felony, und may be tried as such. The Act has been for some time in operation here, and has been found to work well, and I am anxious •that enactments similar to that Act should be passed by the several Legislatures of her Majestey's colonial possessions. I desire, therefore, that you will cause this circular despatch to be brought under the notice of your Legislature, with a view to procure the passing of such a measure, I take this • opportunity of reminding you that if ■ any person commit an overt act of treason in the colony under your Government and escapes from the colony, it would be your duty to avail yourelf of the provisions of the Act for the better apprehension of certain offenders (6 and 7 Vic, c 34, as extended by 16 ane 17 Vic, c. 118), so as to secure the apprehension of such offender in that part of her Majesty's dominions in which he may have taken refuge, and his re-convey-ance to the colony for trial. —Buckingham and Chandos.